I was just listening to a song from one of my playlists on youtube while doing my Devo’s, and as I glanced over to my Mac I saw these lyrics together with the video, and it so caught my eye:

“I have been young”

If you really think about it, so often many of our problems stem from those feelings that (sometimes) come to us— like… “no one understands what I’m going through.” (Ever been there?)

But know this: The archenemy of our our souls, Satan, uses that very feeling to alienate us from God. But the very fact that Jesus was alive on planet earth, and that now He’s seated in Heaven, ought to give you and I some sort of a glimmer of hope, knowing that we’re not alone, and that you and I have someone who does in fact understand. He wants to help, and He will help.

It was said of George Whitefield, that he woke-up every morning at 4:00am for personal prayer-time. As 10:00pm approached he would say to everyone in his home, “Come, gentleman, it’s time for all good folks to be at home.” Doesn’t that sound a little rude? Why would he say something like that? Because if he stays up too late he wouldn’t be able to wake up early to seek God, (nor would he have been a fire brand to kindle The Great Awakening). According to Deuteronomy 4:24…

God is a “jealous God”.

And if He’s jealous to have your heart, then you and I ought to be jealous about guarding that time, and not letting anyone, (or anything), steal that time with our First Love, who’s name is, Jesus.

Below are some points that I’ve developed for an effective Prayer-Time/Quiet-Time. Avoid the tendency to check e-mail, or Facebook, etc. Get a plan and watch how much your relationship with God will grow.

1. Make a “Prayer Time” CD.

2. Plan ahead & find a “Prayer Closet” where you can be alone.

3. Know in advance where you’re going to read in the Word.

4. Get a Prayer Journal and write down what the Holy Spirit is giving you.

5. Use Rhema Cards to get your prayer time started with faith.

6. Then move into a time of Thanksgiving.

7. Lift your hands in praise & adoration to the Lord.

8. Then begin to pray The Lord’s Prayer.

9. Avoid sleepiness by pacing & praying.

10. Takethe last 5 minutes of your Quiet Time to thank, worship, and praise God.

Do have struggles in your Quiet-Time, or secrets that have helped you? Leave a comment below.

It’s been an mind-blowing beginning for Lokasi and I at King’s Chapel Lahaina. We’re seeing amazing things happen already. I’ve just got to share this story. A woman in our church couldn’t walk without being in much pain. In one of our services, as we were praying, I saw a hip socket in a vision, and it was popping. I called out this word of knowledge, and a woman came up to receive prayer. As I prayed over her— something happened; because 3 days later she shared with Lokasi that her hip had been popping, and was in much pain, but after receiving prayer, later the next day, she could walk— completely PAIN FREE! With tears in her eyes she began to praise the Lord right there!

We’ve also been in a series called, “The I AM” series — taking a fresh look at Jesus, and who He is in our life.

“You won’t really know who you are, until you discover who He is.”

We’ve also been recording our Sunday sermons, and posting them online. Take a quick listen here. I know you’ll be strengthen.

I’m so encouraged, because people have been sharing with us that they feel a lightness in the atmosphere, and that there’s just a strong sense of grace, joy, and the presence of the Holy Spirit in our midst. I just praise God for all He’s doing!

Being in a relationship has many blessings and benefits. “I’ll scratch your back, you scratch mine.” Whether it’s a romantic, professional, or just plain “friends” type of relationship— no healthy relationship is ever just “1-sided”. Our relationship with God is very similar. Check out this definition of 2-way in the dictionary:

Two-way: adjective // allowing or involving movement or communication in opposite directions : a two-way radio | make the interview a two-way process.
• involving two participants : a two-way presidential race.
• (of a switch) permitting a current to be switched on or off from either of two points.

Check out this scripture. It has 2 actions, and 2 benefits:

Whoever offers praise glorifies Me; and to him who orders his conduct aright I will show the salvation of God.Psalm 50: 23 [nkjv]

Can you find them? I bet you can.2 ACTIONS 2 BENEFITS 1. Whoever offers praise…………………………………….. 1. Glorifies Me2. Him who orders his conduct aright…………………. 2. I will show the salvation of God.

I’m not real good with math, or with long-drawn out details with tons of information; but give me a few steps, or a couple keys, and you’ll have me running in no time. Because I sure do want [1] God to be gloried in my life, and I want Him to [2] to show me the salvation, deliverance, and victory that I so desperately need in my life. So what will it take?

[1] Praise is the opposite of complaining. It’s saying to God: “O Lord, in the midst of this situation, I just offer praise to You!” Complaining says to people: “I just get irritated with my life, because I don’t have any time to do what I want to do!” Notice the difference? One is directed to God, the other to people. Someone might say, “Yeah, but I’ve complained to God before.” But I bet it didn’t last long. Why? Because it was a prayer, and when you begin to get God in your situation—it won’t be long before you’re having a way different perspective; and you’ll soon be praising and thanking Him for the victory that begins to flood your heart. You praise Him, and God is glorified. It’s a 2-way street.

[2] Although I would not say I’m a “Type-A” personality, I do like things in order. Ok, ok, I confess… I like to make my bed before I leave for work. Similarly, in our relationship with God, order is a very important component. When our lives are in disarray it’s hard to see God and to navigate His will. For example, if you haven’t read your Bible in a while, (or don’t happen to know where it is right now), or you haven’t had a quality Quiet Time in a while — chances are you get upset very easily, and frustration has been a emotion you feel on a regular basis. Our conduct must be ordered. It’s the way we behave and carry ourselves. Yes, you need victory over that habit, you’re praying for God’s blessing on your finances — but it’s a 2-way street.

Get clear on what needs to change in your conduct, begin to purposely praise God instead of complaining, and watch God move in your behalf. Remember, in your relationship with God—it’s a 2-way street.